Importing data into a website using the Drupal feeds module

Submitted by Matt on Thu, 08/03/2012 - 12:51pm

The Drupal Feeds Module can be used to import data from various sources including files with comma-separated values (CSV files), email and XML (RSS feeds) into a Drupal website. Feed processing can be scheduled. This means that files can be uploaded automatically. Applications for the feeds module include updating an ecommerce website with products and integrating a Drupal website with other systems.

Features of the Drupal Feeds Module include:

  • Automatic batching - This means that very large files can be processed using the feeds module.
  • Custom logic - The feeds tamper "helper" module can be used for applying special logic to how fields are processed.
  • Support for images - Pictures (files) can be fetched using a URL meaning that pictures do not need to be manually added to content.
  • Other features include - robust set of helper modules and options to process into node, user and various other Drupal content types.

The feeds module is smart. Only records that have changed are processed. What happens is that the feeds module checks to see if the source and destination have changed. If no change then the feeds module will move onto the next record. The benefit of this is that your website server is focusing on visitors and not doing things in the background that might have an impact on performance.

The Drupal contributed Feeds module is definitely an important part of any website that has a lots of content or that needs to work with other systems.

Resource: 
Drupal Feeds Module

2 comments

Matt's picture

Practical examples of Feeds module in action

Submitted by Matt on Thu, 08/03/2012 - 1:42pm

At websitePlus we use the Feeds module just about every day. We find the Drupal feeds module great for importing content during a website set-up or for when we need to build websites that work with other systems.

A very small practical example of the Drupal Feeds module in action can be found on http://websiteplus.com.au ... we use the Drupal Feeds module to publish public records from a Delicious feed. The feed is processed every 12 hours. Have a look at http://delicious.com/mattcameron and then do a search for the same content on websitePlus.

Matt's picture

Great module

Submitted by Matt on Thu, 08/03/2012 - 1:08pm

The Drupal Feeds module is a great modules that I find I am using more and more when setting up websites with lots of content or with content that changes regularly.

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